Monday, February 28, 2011

Forcing flowering branches indoors

I am sooooo sick of winter, so recently I decided to induce a bit of spring fever by cutting some forsythia branches off the bush in my backyard and forcing them into bloom. I placed them in my foyer and, now that the flowers have opened up, they provide such a warm, sunny welcome every time I come through the front door. You can do this with lots of different flowering bushes and shrubs besides forsythia; quince, pussy willow, lilac, and crab apple are just some of the many choices.

To do this, make sure outside temperatures have begun to rise above freezing. Then, select and cut branches that have lots of plump buds. Use a sharp blade and make sure not to disfigure the shrub or tree. Once you get the branches inside, split the cut end one to four inches with a sharp knife and place the branches in a container of warm water. Then cut another one inch from the bottom. Strip the part of the stems that will be under water of buds and twigs and then place the container of branches in a warm room. In about one to three weeks, you’ll have beautiful blooms. The larger the buds and the closer to their natural bloom time, the sooner the buds will open up.

This is great, thanks! I have one tree in the back that is just starting to get buds...I want to bring it in and have my own little cherry blossom branch---for as long as it lasts! :)

I wanted to stop by and invite you to come participate in my Spring Giveaway Jubilee. There are several giveaways up already and more will be added throughout the month. You can enter them all and even link up one of your own, if you'd like!

I'm with you I am sick of winter. I have forsythia and this is what I will be doing next week. I posted about flowers this week to bring some cheer while waiting for spring. I'm your newest follower, hope you will stop by would love to have you as a follower too, Laura